Harry and the others guessed that the monster in Salazar Slytherin's legendary Chamber of Secrets was probably a basilisk. And now, that basilisk, which had most likely lived for over a thousand years, was inside the wall in front of Harry and Professor Flitwick.
Harry was a little nervous. After all, judging by the descriptions in the books, a basilisk was a very, very terrifying creature. In Harry's mind, it was already far more dangerous than a fire dragon.
Professor Flitwick, however, seemed perfectly composed-even relaxed.
After confirming with Harry that the Parseltongue had come from inside the wall before them, Professor Flitwick nodded. Then, with a gentle flick of his wand, a golden light with a holy aura emerged from its tip.
The golden light enveloped both him and Harry.
The instant the golden light enveloped him, Harry felt warmth spread through his body. In late November, when it was already getting rather chilly, the sensation was very comfortable.
What was this marvelous magic?
Harry looked astonished.
Seeming to notice Harry's expression, Flitwick said with a smile:
"This spell is called the Holy Spirit Barrier. Its story is quite interesting: it was invented by a wizard who didn't know he was a wizard. Hmm, in Muggle terms, he was a priest-one of those fellows in that Muggle religion.
"It's hard to believe that someone with no formal education could master magic on his own and even invent spells. This spell has distinctly protective properties. It can block a basilisk's deadly gaze."
Harry was a little dazed. Wasn't Professor Flitwick being a little too relaxed?
This wasn't a classroom. Was he really still giving such an orderly educational lecture?
Professor Flitwick paid no attention to Harry's astonishment. After completing the spell called the Holy Spirit Barrier, he pointed his wand